Brief Introduction of Mark Ingram
Mark Valentino Ingram II is a former American football running back who carved out a distinguished 12-season career in the National Football League (NFL) and has since transitioned into a successful on-air personality for Fox Sports. He is widely recognized for his exceptional collegiate career at the University of Alabama, where he made history in 2009 by becoming the university’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner. That same season, he was a pivotal part of the Alabama Crimson Tide team that secured the BCS National Championship. In the NFL, Ingram was a first-round draft pick for the New Orleans Saints in 2011, where he played the majority of his career and became the franchise’s all-time leading rusher. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Ingram was known for his powerful running style, versatility, and leadership on and off the field.
Mark Ingram Overview
| Full Name | Mark Valentino Ingram II |
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1989 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 35 years old |
| Birthplace | Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Profession | Former Professional Football Player, On-air Personality for Fox Sports |
| Husband/Wife | Chelsea Ingram (née Peltin-Brown) |
| Family | Father: Mark Ingram Sr., Mother: Shonda Ingram, Children: Myla, Mila, Mark III, and Mayla. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Approximately $12 million |
Early Life and Education of Mark Ingram
Mark Valentino Ingram II was born on December 21, 1989, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to parents with a strong athletic background. His father, Mark Ingram Sr., was a former NFL wide receiver who played for teams including the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, and Philadelphia Eagles. His mother, Shonda Ingram, was also a track athlete. The family later moved to Michigan, where Ingram spent his formative years. He attended Grand Blanc Community High School for three years before transferring to Flint Southwestern Academy for his senior year. During high school, he was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football and track and field. On the football field, he was a standout running back, rushing for 2,546 yards and 38 touchdowns in his final two seasons, which earned him numerous accolades, including Saginaw Valley MVP and an All-State selection. His impressive high school career made him a highly sought-after four-star recruit by several top college football programs.
Mark Ingram’s Career
College Career at Alabama
Ingram enrolled at the University of Alabama in 2008 and quickly made an impact on the Crimson Tide football team. In his freshman season, he rushed for 728 yards and a school-record 12 touchdowns for a freshman, earning a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team. His sophomore season in 2009 was historic. Ingram rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns, while also catching 30 passes for 334 yards and three scores. His stellar performance was instrumental in leading Alabama to an undefeated season, an SEC Championship, and ultimately, the 2010 BCS National Championship title. Following the season, Ingram was awarded the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player in the University of Alabama’s storied history to receive the honor. He won in the closest vote in the award’s history, edging out Stanford running back Toby Gerhart. Ingram was also recognized as a unanimous first-team All-American. After a junior season that saw him rush for 875 yards and 13 touchdowns while battling injuries, Ingram declared for the NFL Draft.
NFL Career
Mark Ingram II was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft with the 28th overall pick, the same pick number his father was selected with 24 years earlier. He spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Saints (2011-2018). While his first few seasons were met with criticism for not immediately living up to his first-round status, he developed into a key offensive weapon. In 2016, he rushed for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. The following season, in 2017, he and teammate Alvin Kamara became the first running back duo in NFL history to each have over 1,500 yards from scrimmage in the same season. Ingram earned his first Pro Bowl selection that year.
In 2019, Ingram signed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he had an immediate impact, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first season with the team and earning his third Pro Bowl selection. He spent two seasons in Baltimore (2019-2020) before a brief stint with the Houston Texans in 2021. Later that season, he was traded back to the New Orleans Saints. In his second tenure with the Saints, Ingram became the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, surpassing Deuce McAllister. He played with the Saints through the 2022 season. Over his 12-year NFL career, Ingram rushed for 8,111 yards and 65 touchdowns, and had 303 receptions for 2,125 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Post-Playing Career
In July 2023, it was announced that Mark Ingram was joining FOX Sports as a college football analyst for their popular pregame show, “Big Noon Kickoff.” He joined a panel that includes former players Matt Leinart and Brady Quinn, and former coach Urban Meyer. While he has not officially filed retirement paperwork with the NFL, Ingram has embraced his new role in broadcasting, calling it his “post-career dream job.”
Mark Ingram Personal Life & Family
Mark Ingram is a dedicated family man. He married his wife, Chelsea Peltin-Brown, in April 2017. Chelsea is a former model and has a degree in broadcast journalism. Together, they have five children: daughters Myla, Mila, and Mayla, and a son named Mark Valentino Ingram III. The family’s fourth child, Mayla, was notably born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, during a trip to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the 2009 National Championship team. Ingram is the son of former NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram Sr. Ingram Sr. had a successful 10-year career, primarily with the New York Giants, and was part of the Super Bowl XXV winning team. Ingram has a close relationship with his father, who has served as a mentor throughout his career.
Awards and Achievements of Mark Ingram
- Heisman Trophy (2009)
- BCS National Champion (2009)
- Unanimous All-American (2009)
- SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2009)
- 3x NFL Pro Bowl Selection (2017, 2019, 2020)
- New Orleans Saints All-Time Leading Rusher
- New Orleans Saints All-Time Leader in Rushing Touchdowns
- NFC Offensive Player of the Week (2016 Week 12, 2017 Week 11)
Mark Ingram Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Mark Ingram II’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. The majority of his wealth was accumulated through his NFL contracts, which totaled over $32.5 million during his 12-year career. His success on the field, particularly his Heisman Trophy win, also led to several endorsement deals with brands like Russell Athletic. In his post-playing career, Ingram earns income as a college football analyst for FOX Sports. His father, Mark Ingram Sr., has an estimated net worth of between $2 and $4 million, derived from his NFL career earnings, real estate, and speaking engagements.
Legacy and Influence
Mark Ingram’s legacy is firmly cemented in both college and professional football history. At the University of Alabama, he will forever be remembered as the program’s first Heisman Trophy winner, a trailblazer who was a key figure in the resurgence of the Crimson Tide as a national powerhouse under coach Nick Saban. His tough, “angry running” style set a new standard for Alabama running backs. In the NFL, he is regarded as one of the best running backs in New Orleans Saints history, holding the franchise records for both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Ingram is known for his leadership and positive locker room presence. He has also been active in philanthropy through the Mark Ingram Foundation, which is dedicated to helping the children of incarcerated parents. The foundation provides mentorship, sponsors sports camps, and donates school supplies and other necessities to children and families in need.
Interesting Facts about Mark Ingram
- Mark Ingram II and his father, Mark Ingram Sr., were both selected with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.
- His 2009 Heisman Trophy win was the closest vote in the history of the award.
- At the time of his Heisman win, he was the youngest player to ever receive the award, being just nine days shy of his 20th birthday.
- He and Alvin Kamara were the first running back duo in NFL history to each have over 1,500 yards from scrimmage in the same season (2017).
- His father, Mark Ingram Sr., played defensive back at Michigan State when Nick Saban was on the coaching staff.
- During the 2016 Flint water crisis, Ingram was part of a group of NFL players who donated supplies to his hometown.
Controversies
In 2018, Mark Ingram was suspended for the first four games of the NFL season for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@markingramii) – Information on follower count not publicly available in the provided search results.
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Mark Ingram
Mark Ingram has successfully navigated a career that has taken him from the pinnacle of college football to a long and productive career in the NFL, and now to a prominent role in sports broadcasting. His journey is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and passion for the game of football. While he has not formally retired from the NFL, his focus has shifted to his role as an analyst on FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff,” where he shares his insights and charismatic personality with a national audience. His legacy as a record-breaking running back for the New Orleans Saints and the first Heisman winner for the Alabama Crimson Tide is secure. Through his continued work in media and his philanthropic efforts with the Mark Ingram Foundation, he continues to have a positive impact on the sport and the community.
